Mary Ann Boland

Mary Ann Boland
March 20, 1939 - July 24, 2013
Mary Ann Boland (nee Pesta) died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She struggled for two years with ovarian cancer before finally succumbing to the illness. Mary Ann was a vibrant and courageous woman who lived life to the fullest.
Born in Youngstown, OH, Mary Ann was the second child and only daughter of Paul and Mary Pesta, who had recently emigrated to the United States from the former Czechoslovakia. When Mary Ann was three, the family moved to Cleveland. She graduated from John Adams High School in 1957 and attended Fenn College before starting work as a secretary at B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company.
In 1961, Mary Ann met and married Harry E. Boland, who worked in sales at B.F. Goodrich. Together they raised seven children and travelled the world as Harry's job took the family to live in Australia (1972-1978), the Netherlands (1978-1982) and Hong Kong (1982-1986). Mary Ann was always civic-minded, and started a lifelong commitment to community service when she became a "candy striper" at St. Luke's Hospital at the age of fourteen. Wherever where she lived, Mary Ann served her community in a multitude of ways.
In 1986, Harry and Mary Ann settled in Bath Township, OH. Mary Ann began working part-time for Leadership Akron, and pursued a number of volunteer activities. She was a docent at the Akron Art Museum, served as both committee chairman and secretary for the Akron chapter of the Arthritis Foundation Advisory Board, was 2nd Vice President for the Akron Area Council of Churches board, and tutored students through Project: LEARN of Summit County for many years.
In 1989, Mary Ann was promoted to Assistant Director of Leadership Akron, and ultimately became Executive Director in 1994. She threw herself into that role with tremendous gusto, and expanded the program through creativity, grant writing, and fundraising. In addition, Mary Ann continued volunteering for such organizations as the Akron Symphony, the Akron City Club and Heart to Heart Communications. In recognition of her years of steadfast service in the community, she was awarded an Honorary Alumni Award by The University of Akron in 2005.
Mary Ann attempted to retire in 2005 but it just didn't take. She went on to work at Welty Building Corporation, Heart to Heart Communications, and St. Bernard Parish before finally deciding to relax in 2010.
Of all the roles Mary Ann filled throughout the years, none satisfied her more than being a grandmother. Mary Ann leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, now ranging in age from 42 to 9, and she enjoyed spoiling them all to the best of her ability. In doing so, she created lasting and wonderful memories with all of them. She loved hosting holiday dinners and family gatherings, and never tired of the sound of grandchildren running through her house.
Mary Ann was an avid reader, and most enjoyed motivational and self-help books. She was always up-to-date on current events, and loved reading the newspaper each day with her coffee and scones. She was a knowledgeable gardener who delighted in the beauty of her flowers and enjoyed growing fresh herbs. She was forever trying out new recipes and sharing them with her family. She loved to travel and was thrilled that she had been able to see so much of the world. Throughout her illness, Mary Ann commented often that she had "a great life," and she was grateful for her many blessings.
Sadly, Mary Ann lost her husband Harry last September, one month shy of their 51st wedding anniversary. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Joseph (d. 1969); her daughter Jo Ann (d. 1994) and son Harry Edward, Jr. (d. 1999). She is survived by her children, Gerard (Deidre) Boland of Bathurst, Australia; Margaret O'Toole (Jack) of Hudson, Ohio; Jane Boland of Sorrento, Australia, Paul (Angela) Boland of Wadsworth, Ohio; and Kate (Mike) Dietry of Waunakee, Wis. Mary Ann's beloved grandchildren are: Courtney Boland, Elaine (Sean) McFadden and Greg Boland; Laura and Dan Boland; Sean (Lisa) Lovass and Sam Lovass; Miranda, Sebastian¸ Grace, Charlotte, Dominic, Bridget, and Matthias Boland; as well as Brandt, Parker and Evan Dietry.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Visiting Nurse Service and the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center for their care and compassion during Mary Ann's illness.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 29th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 North Miller Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30th at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 164 West Market Street in Akron. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jo Ann Boland Memorial Library at H.M. Life Opportunity Services (1815 West Market Street, #102, Akron, OH 44313), or Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service in care of Akron General Foundation (400 Wabash Ave., Akron, OH 44307). To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)